I picked up some books from the library yesterday, so, expect a couple of book reviews.

Anyhow I got a chance to read “Screw it, Let’s Do it Anyway” by Richard Branson this morning. It’s a pretty short book and that’s what makes it fun. I love it when I can pick up a book and only get the important points, put it down and know what the point was.

It’s definitely a good for an early morning read.

Here’s what I like about the book….

1. The focus on striving for success

Let’s rephrase that how about the focus on striving for your success? I think quite a few of us strive for success as other people define it. Nothing wrong with that, you’re still getting somewhere (hopefully somewhere good) but, it’s also important to understand what your personal view of success is.

And, please, don’t waste too much time on it (even though this one requires clear thinking and getting inside, don’t let the task become BIG and eat you up), try different things and you’ll find out which one clicks.

2. Respect others and their ideas

I really liked the section on this one. I won’t name names but it seems some people lose respect for others and their ideas as soon as they smell success. That kinda sucks doesn’t it?

A lot of times you maybe missing out on some very profitable ideas just because you’re tuning out everyone who hasn’t achieved the level of your success. On the same note, I also find people who tune out other people and their ideas do the same to themselves without really knowing it.

Of course, giving others respect doesn’t mean letting them run your life. That’s your job.

3. Living in the moment

This one seemed like a chapter taken straight out of some of the best books on Spirituality. But, I’m glad it was there.

4. Making decisions and taking action

Alright, that’s the main focus of the book, isn’t it? Here’s what’s cool about it, I’ve read a lot of books on execution, taking action and the like, I’ve listened to many motivational tapes on making decisions. But, you know what?

I’ve always sat down there saying “Well, yeah decisions are good but rushed decisions without the analysis aren’t going to get you anywhere. It’s like saying you want to build a bridge and then picking up the materials without any analysis”.

So, I like the balance between analysis and decision making. It’s a critical portion of my life at least. I know analysis can sometimes lead to paralysis (when you let it) but you also have to remember even the best analysis has to leave room for error.

You do sometimes need to accept “good enough information” about a problem or you’ll sit there analyzing while someone else does the work and gets the results.

Analyzing well enough is very important, it will add to your confidence and also allow you to act on your dreams, use your time wisely and get things done.

This is by the way, something I talk about a lot in the Avoid Procrastination bonus for Manage Your Time Now.

5. Your support network

Do you have a support network? People who you can turn to when everything goes wrong? People who can listen to you and point you in the right direction?

It’s difficult to be out there going for your goals and facing your fears without any support.

Who can be in your support network? Hopefully your family, if not, close friends are good family too.

I think too many personal development books, tapes etc. and try to make you a lone warrior, that’s alright they’re helping you build your self-esteem and stand up for yourself but when you are a lone warrior who gets bruised, if you don’t get nursed you’re going to lose a lot of blood.

You’ll get there eventually even without a support network but I think having one makes the journey more enjoyable.

6. Have fun in what you do!

I like fun!

Recommendations

I’d recommend it for a quick read.

10/10

Anyone else read the book? What do you think?